The department said today it is working closely with the company to ensure that people who were potentially exposed to the disease are evaluated quickly. Testing was to begin today.

TB is a treatable and preventable airborne disease, according to ADPH, and only people who were in close contact with the case need to be tested.

"Close contact" is defined generally as spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment.

In a statement, Mercedes said ADPH has informed it that one of its employees was diagnosed with an active case of tuberculosis and is receiving treatment.

"Since our primary concern is the health and safety of our Team Members, we are notifying all Team Members of the situation and working closely with the Alabama Department of Public Health, which is administering testing to those who may have been exposed. MBUSI will rely on the ADPH to determine next steps and the proper course of action," the company said.